SA-014-24

BULLETIN NOTES
This SA supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red.
Previous SAs:
Date(s) Issued:
SA-031/22
05/06/22
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)
2022-2024 Mazda3
2022-2023 CX-9
2022-2024 MX-5
2022-2024 CX-30
2022-2024 CX-5
2022-2023 MX-30
2023-2024 CX-50
DESCRIPTION
Some customers may complain that the tire sidewalls are distorted or "damaged".
REPAIR PROCEDURE
Sidewall Indentations / Undulations
Sidewall waviness/indentations/undulations are common on radial tires and are more noticeable on tires with taller
sidewalls. The higher the tire pressure, the more noticeable the effect will be. Be sure to set the tire pressures at the
recommended tire pressure on the vehicle tire label.
Sidewall indentations are a cosmetic condition that does not affect the performance of the tires.
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Tires are reinforced by multiple fabric cords encased in a thin sheet of rubber. Radial ply tires feature one or more layers
of these sheets running parallel to each other from bead to bead. The sheets overlap where they meet. When the tire is
mounted and inflated to operating air pressures, it is free to expand. The overlapped splices may create slight
indentations since they stretch slightly less than the rest of the sheet. In reality, the splices are the most reinforced area
of the tire's sidewall.
Because radial tires feature steel cord reinforcing belts under the tread to keep them smooth, indentations only appear
on the sidewalls.
Sidewall Protrusions
If protruding bulges or bubbles, rather than indentations appear on the sidewall of a recently installed tire, there may be a
gap between some of the body ply cords inside the tire. The tire should be removed from service and replaced under the
tire manufacturer's warranty. Contact the tire manufacturer as noted in the Mazda Warranty Policy and Procedures
Manual and the Mazda Quick Reference to Warranty booklet. A copy of the latest version of both can be found on
OneMazda.
If a protruding bulge appears after the tire has been on the road for more than a short distance, it is usually the result of a
road hazard when several adjacent cords were injured as the tire struck something on or in the road. The tire
manufacturer will want to confirm for outside influence before approving a tire replacement. Be prepared to provide
photos and detailed information.
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